Ringo Starr, Alicia Keys lead Hard Rock Hotel Atlantic City’s entertainment lineup amid rebound from pandemic days
Sizzling temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up at the Jersey Shore this summer.
After two years of cancelled or postponed live shows around the world thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City has secured what it’s calling one of the area’s most impressive entertainment lineups in years.
Tops acts from Alicia Keys to Rod Stewart are set to take the stage at the property’s Etess Arena next month, with Ringo Starr performing there in September.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City lives up to its name, with a variety of musical performances in the works this year. (Thomas E.Briglia/)
The hotel has already hosted big-name comedians like Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney and Kevin Hart earlier this season, as well as singers Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli.
“There was some uncertainty last year with COVID protocols and outbreaks of variants,” Michael Woodside, Hard Rock Atlantic City’s vice president of entertainment and marketing services, told the Daily News.
“There was a large uptick this year in confirmed shows,” he adds. “During the downtime, we had the opportunity to engage with many high caliber artists, which resulted in the great lineup that we have this year.”
From ‘60s-era acts like Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who will perform on July 30, to more modern acts like Greta Van Fleet, taking the stage Dec. 9 and 10, Hard Rock is hoping to pack in visitors of all ages.
“Being located on the beach in southern New Jersey, we are surrounded by such a diverse audience from New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland,” Woodside said. “We strive to make sure we have something for everyone in our lineup.”
Starr’s Sept. 24 appearance marks the first time a Beatle has performed at Hard Rock Atlantic City in its four-year history.
“We are honored to have such a legend like Ringo Starr to perform in our arena,” Woodside said.
He added that Hard Rock was the first resort in Atlantic City to bring back live entertainment after the pandemic began and shut down much of the world, and that the live music can be heard at the property every day of the year on its smaller stages.
For guests who appreciate the fine arts, Hard Rock is hosting “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” through Aug. 28 in its Seminole Ballroom.
This walk-through art installation makes use of projection technology and an original score to bring more than 300 Van Gogh works to life in 25,000 square feet of space. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time of the visit, and the age of the guest.
When not taking in a show or betting it all in the casino, Hard Rock, located on the Boardwalk, has a variety of eateries to power you through.
Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill is the newest addition, having opened last year. The seasonal menu offers dishes meant for sharing, along with a hefty drink lineup that includes wine, local brews and cocktails made with a variety of fruit.
More fine dining can be found at sushi spot, Kuro, or at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. Those looking for a more casual vibe can snag a cheap sandwich at White House Subs, an outpost of the original location that’s been in Atlantic City since 1946.
And Instagram addicts in search of colorful cocktails and food can head to Sugar Factory, famous for over-the-top desserts and drinks served in smoking goblets. Normal breakfasts, salads and burgers can also be found here.
